Lovers may be - and indeed generally are - enemies, but they never can be friends, because there must always be a spice of jealousy and a something of Self in all their speculations.

In the quote "Lovers may be - and indeed generally are - enemies, but they never can be friends, because there must always be a spice of jealousy and a something of Self in all their speculations," Lord Byron reflects on the complex and often contradictory nature of romantic relationships. He suggests that lovers, despite their affection, are inevitably opposed in certain ways, even functioning as enemies at times. The emotional intensity of love can bring out not only passion but also competition, jealousy, and the need to protect one’s ego, making it difficult for lovers to be purely friends.

Byron emphasizes that love is inherently entangled with self-interest and jealousy. The “spice of jealousy” he mentions points to the idea that romantic relationships often involve a level of possessiveness and insecurity, where one partner's affection can be threatened by the actions or attention given to others. The "something of Self" refers to the role that individuality and self-preservation play in love—no matter how deep the connection, there is always an element of personal need or desire that shapes the dynamic between lovers.

The idea that lovers “can never be friends” underscores Byron's belief that romantic relationships carry a certain emotional weight that friendship does not. In friendships, there is typically a sense of equality and mutual respect, while in love, the emotions are often more volatile and asymmetrical. The complexities of romantic love—marked by passion, jealousy, and competition—can prevent the relationship from achieving the ease and harmony that often characterizes platonic friendships.

Ultimately, Byron’s quote speaks to the tension between love and friendship. He suggests that while lovers may share deep emotional connections, they are also subject to the same emotional volatility that makes them more like rivals or adversaries than true friends. The quote captures the idea that romantic love, despite its beauty, is often fraught with contradictions and struggles that can never be fully reconciled into the simplicity of friendship.